Hemp seed products and methods and systems for producing same

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for producing improved hemp seed products, such as proteins and oils are provided.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is a bypass continuation application of canclaims priority from International Application No. PCT/US2021/40284,filed on Jul. 2, 2021, which in turn claims priority to ProvisionalApplication No. 63/048,591, entitled “HEMP SEED PRODUCTS AND METHODS ANDSYSTEMS FOR PRODUCING SAME,” filed Jul. 6, 2020. The entire contents ofeach of the foregoing are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Methods and systems for producing improved hemp seed products, such asproteins and oils are provided.

Background

Hemp seeds and their derivative proteins and oils are considered bydieticians and nutritionists as being ideal for human health andnutrition, but astringency, bitterness and vegetal type flavors aremajor sensory challenges of hemp seed food ingredients. The market forhemp seed derived food ingredients is therefore limited.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the invention relate to a system for processing hempseeds to recover at least one product. In some embodiments, the systemcan include a sorter, adapted to separate the hulls and the hemp heartsto produce an isolated hemp heart fraction is substantially free ofhulls. In some embodiments, the system can include a conditioner,adapted to condition the isolated hemp hearts to a pre-determinedinternal temperature and moisture content, resulting in conditioned hemphearts. In some embodiments, the system can include a press, adapted topermit extraction of oil from the hemp hearts, resulting in a hemphearts press cake. In some embodiments, the system can include adelumper, adapted to reduce size of lumps from the hemp hearts presscake, resulting in a substantially uniform hemp hearts particles. Insome embodiments, the system can include a super-critical fluid or anonpolar solvent extractor, adapted to de-oil the hemp hearts powder toproduce an extracted hemp seed product. In some embodiments, the systemcan include a mill, suitable to reduce particle size to less than 500micron. In some embodiments, upon operation of the system, at least oneproduct having at least one value parameter is recovered, wherein theproduct is at least one of an improved hemp seed oil product and animproved hemp seed protein product.

In some embodiments, the system, adapted for continuous processing, canfurther include a diverter adapted to divert the uniform hemp heartsparticles into a first output stream and a second output stream. In someembodiments, the system adapted for continuous processing can furtheroptionally include a returner adapted to return the first output streamto the system between the conditioner and the press. In someembodiments, the system adapted for continuous processing can furtherinclude a mixer adapted to mix the first output stream with theconditioned hemp hearts. In some embodiments, the system adapted forcontinuous processing can further include a collector adapted to collectthe second output stream.

In some embodiments, in the system adapted for continuous processing,the press is a continuous screw type expeller press or a twin-screwexpeller press.

In some embodiments, the system adapted for batch processing, canadditionally include a press bag adapted to contain the isolated hemphearts after conditioning, wherein the press is adapted to applysufficient pressure to the press bag containing isolated hemp hearts topermit extraction of oil from the hemp hearts, resulting in a hemphearts press cake.

In some embodiments, the product is an improved hemp seed oil product,and wherein the at least one value parameter can be determined bycomparison with a hemp seed oil product produced by cold-pressing ofwhole hemp seeds, and wherein the value parameter can be decreased oiloxidation, increased shelf life, decreased rancidity, improved useracceptance, lighter color, improved flavor and aroma, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the product is an improved hemp seed proteinproduct, and wherein the at least one value parameter can be determinedby comparison with a cold-press hemp seed press cake, and wherein thevalue parameter can be lighter color, improved mouth feel, improved useracceptance, improved uniformity, improved shelf life, decreasedoxidation; decreased rancidity, improved water holding, improved oilholding, improved dispersion in water, improved foaming capacity,improved gelation, improved emulsifying capacity, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the sorter can include at least one of a size,shape and/or spectrophotometric detection of materials to be sorted.

In some embodiments, the system can further include a feedbackcomponent.

In some embodiments, the feedback component can be adapted to detect aparameter of the substantially uniform hemp heart particles before theparticles reach the diverter, to determine a proportion of the particlesto divert to the first output stream. In some embodiments, the parameteris oil content of the press cake after delumping.

Some embodiments of the invention relate to a batch-based method ofproducing an oil product from hemp seeds. In some embodiments, themethod can include dehulling the hemp seeds; sorting hemp hearts fromhemp seed hulls; heating the isolated hemp hearts to at least 30 C toproduce conditioned hemp hearts; bagging the hemp hearts in a bagadapted to withstand high pressures and permit oil escape from the bagwhile containing solids within the bag; applying hydraulic pressure tothe bagged hemp hearts for a period of time to permit extraction of oilfrom the hemp hearts; and/or recovering the oil.

Some embodiments of the invention relate to a continuous method ofproducing an oil product from hemp seeds. In some embodiments, themethod can include a) dehulling the hemp seeds; b) sorting hemp heartsfrom hemp seed hulls; c) heating the isolated hemp hearts to at least30° C. to produce conditioned hemp hearts; d) expeller-pressing theconditioned hemp hearts to produce pressed isolated hemp hearts; e)de-lumping the pressed isolated hemp hearts; f) dividing the de-lumpedpressed isolated hemp hearts into a first output stream and a secondoutput stream; g) mixing the first output stream with the conditionedhemp hearts after said conditioned hemp hearts are conditioned andbefore they are pressed, to produce a mixed product comprising theconditioned hemp hearts and the first output stream; and/or h)recovering the oil from the expeller pressing step; and wherein thesteps f) and g) are repeated until the second output stream is <15%residual oil.

Some embodiments of the invention relate to a method of producing aprotein product from hemp seeds. In some embodiments, the method caninclude a) dehulling the hemp seeds; b) sorting hemp hearts from hempseed hulls; c) heating the isolated hemp hearts to at least 30° C.; d)applying pressure to the heated hemp hearts for a period of time topermit extraction of oil from the hemp hearts; and/or e) recovering anddelumping the solids; and extracting residual oil from the solids toproduce a protein product comprising less than 15% oil by weight. Insome embodiments, the method can additionally include the step ofbagging the hemp hearts after the heating step in a bag adapted towithstand high pressures and permit oil escape from the bag whilecontaining solids within the bag; wherein the applying pressure step caninclude applying hydraulic pressure to the hemp hearts. In someembodiments, the method can additionally include f) dividing the solidsinto a first stream and a second stream and re-cycling the first streamthrough steps d)-f) and collecting the second stream; and/o g) removingresidual oil from the second solid fraction to produce a protein productcomprising less than 15% oil by weight.

In some embodiments, the applying pressure step can include applyingexpeller pressure.

In some embodiments, the oil from the applying pressure step can berecovered so that the method simultaneously produces a protein productand an oil product from hemp seeds.

In some embodiments, the sorting step comprises size, shape and/orspectrophotometric detection.

In some embodiments, the hemp hearts can be substantially free ofnon-heart material.

In some embodiments, the non-heart material can include shells, seedcoat, fiber, foreign material, and/or the like.

Some embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus that caninclude an input of hemp seeds; a dehuller, adapted to dehull the hempseeds, resulting in hulls and hemp hearts; a sorter, adapted to separatethe hulls and the hemp hearts to produce an isolated hemp heart fractionthat is substantially free of hulls and seed coat; a conditioner,adapted to condition the isolated hemp hearts to a pre-determinedinternal temperature and moisture content; a bag adapted to withstandhigh pressures and permit oil escape from the bag while containingsolids within the bag; a press, adapted to permit extraction of oil fromthe hemp hearts, resulting in a hemp hearts press cake; a delumper,adapted to reduce size of lumps from the hemp hearts press cake,resulting in a substantially uniform hemp hearts particles; asuper-critical fluid or a nonpolar solvent extractor, adapted to de-oilthe second output stream to produce an extracted hemp seed product;and/or a mill, suitable to reduce particle size to less than 500microns.

Some embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus that caninclude an input of hemp seeds; a dehuller, adapted to dehull the hempseeds, resulting in hulls and hemp hearts; sorter, adapted to separatethe hulls and the hemp hearts to produce an isolated hemp heart fractionthat is substantially free of hulls and seed coat; a conditioner,adapted to condition the isolated hemp hearts to a pre-determinedinternal temperature and moisture content; a press, adapted to permitextraction of oil from the hemp hearts, resulting in a hemp hearts presscake; a delumper, adapted to reduce size of lumps from the hemp heartspress cake, resulting in a substantially uniform hemp hearts particles;a diverter adapted to divert the uniform hemp hearts particles into afirst output stream and a second output stream; a returner adapted toreturn the first output stream to the system between the conditioner andthe press; a mixer adapted to mix the first output stream with theconditioned hemp hearts; a collector adapted to collect the secondoutput stream; a super-critical fluid or a nonpolar solvent extractor,adapted to de-oil the second output stream to produce an extracted hempseed product; a mill, suitable to reduce particle size to less than 500microns; and/or a feedback component. In some embodiments, the feedbackcomponent can include a proximate composition or oil measuring device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a batch method.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a continuous method.

FIG. 3 is a photograph comparing a product produced by the invention toa product produced by conventional methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to hemp seed products and methods and systems forproducing improved hemp seed products. The hemp seed product can be aprotein product isolated from hemp seeds and/or an oil product isolatedfrom hemp seeds.

Current State of the Art

Hemp seed oil is manufactured around the world, with production inCanada, China, Europe and the United States. Common methods ofproduction are similar in these regions and typically rely on onetechnology: screw-type expeller pressing. In expeller presses, thebarrel and screw geometry are designed so that as the material movesforward in the barrel, it is subject to increasing compression and shearforces. The pressing process releases oil from the biomass, which iscollected through perforations in the barrel. Expeller press extractionis employed for oil recovery from a variety of food materials includingolives, canola seed, soybeans, coconut, palm hearts and many others. Itis most suitable for fibrous, high-oil content raw materials. Biomass tobe expeller screw-pressed is usually cleaned, conditioned, and then fedinto the expeller. The endogenous fiber provides a source of friction inthe press to prevent co-rotation and poor pressing efficiency. It alsoserves as a filter medium to prevent solids known in the industry as“foots” from exiting at the oil perforations. Whole hemp seeds andde-hulled hemp seeds can be well suited to this process, if the shell isused in the pressing. If the de-hulled, cleaned hearts are used, meaningwithout shells in the expeller press, it is common to produce hemp heartpaste with very little oil expression. This approach is not typicallypracticed due to the poor results.

Typically, cleaned hemp seeds are conditioned and then conveyed into ahopper. The hopper feeds into the screw press. Some designs have anadditional horizontal or vertical screw that feeds the mainoil-expelling screw to increase oil removal and throughput. In thiscase, biomass receives a first pressing in the vertical screw barrel andthen enters the horizontal screw barrel for second pressing. In somedesigns, the horizontal or vertical screw may simply be present to forcematerial into the main pressing zone and does not itself expel oil. Evenwith improvements in barrel and screw design, some minimum amount offiber is required to prevent the biomass from co-rotating with thescrew, or worse, becoming a paste, similar to a nut butter. There is noprecise minimum amount of fiber for such use; it must be determined inempirical fashion on a case-by-case basis. To successfully press hempseeds for edible oil, the whole seeds are pressed, and a mixture ofhearts and hulls, or hearts and exogenous fiber, are pressed together.The fiber content of the hulls provides necessary friction to preventco-rotation, prevents solids from exiting the perforations and preventsthe mass from being ground into hemp heart paste. Pressing conditionssuch as barrel residence time, temperature, mixing, shear andcompression pressure are all dependent on specific equipment and willvary. The typical output of this process is a green-colored, opaque oilwith small pieces of hull and heart mixed in. The foots can be removedby simple gravity-driven settling or by filtration, or the output can becentrifuged to increase process throughput. The green oil is filteredand packaged under inert gas. The green oil produced by whole-seedexpeller screw pressing suffers from poor shelf life, intense greencolor and grassy flavors, and produces a large quantity of low valueco-product called press cake. The press cake retains a grainy textureeven when finely ground and sifted, due to the large quantity ofwater-insoluble hull pieces. Market applications are limited for thislarge-volume co-product.

It is commonplace to perform a particle size and density-basedclassification to fractionate the resulting press-cake into protein-richpowders or meals. These powders range from light green to deep green tobrown. They suffer from astringency, grainy mouthfeel and poor proteinfunctionality in food and beverage applications. This is due to theinclusion of the shell, which cannot be totally removed by existingtechnologies. About 8-15% of the available oil remains with the seedcake after cold expeller pressing of seeds. This seed cake has a lesserprotein content and the presence of fiber and oil make this a low-valuestream. Further, there are hemp seed protein products made from thisscrew-type expeller process using common protein-processing techniquessuch as alkaline protein extraction. These hemp seed products alsosuffer from poor flavor and limited application suitability.

The following embodiments offer improvements over what is currentlyknown in the art.

Methods

Methods for producing improved hemp seed products are provided. The hempseed product can be a protein, an oil, or flour isolated from hempseeds. In some embodiments, the method is a “batch” method, wherein onebatch is produced at a time. In such embodiments, a batch can be movedfrom unit operation to unit operation en masse with a pause in betweeneach unit operation. This is commonplace in pharmaceuticals and somefood manufacture. In some embodiments, the method is “continuous” or“semi-continuous” wherein the method continuously produces batches, aswill be explained in in further detail below. Continuous manufacturingmeans that the material is continuously processed or in motion from thestart to the end of the process without interruption. Continuousmanufacturing requires careful attention to mass balance and unitoperation capacity, flexibility, and process control. Continuousmanufacturing is common in petrochemical, paper, metal, and some foodprocessing operations. Semi-continuous production can mean that someunit operations are batchwise while others are fully continuous. It canalso mean that some unit operations are operated in in a staggeredfashion such as multiple reactors performing the same unit operation.For example, reactor A is processing while reactor B is beingunloaded/loaded and the operation cycles between reactors A and B withminimized equipment downtime.

Definitions of batch, semi-continuous, and continuous operation vary byindustry and profession. Continuous can be defined as without break,cessation, or interruption, for a given period of time, and in thecontext of processes is typically used in contrast to batch-basedprocesses which have a beginning and end for each batch and, usually, aninterval between batches. The method can also be batch-continuous, withsome steps continuous and others in batch-wise fashion. In someembodiments, a continuous process permits continuous loading of startingmaterial and continuous throughput to produce protein and/or oilproducts, where “continuous” means able to be continued for at least 4,6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 36, or 48 hours, or more. In some embodiments,the period of time can be over 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or more days.

In some embodiments, the method can be partially or completely robotic.Robotic can be defined as without the need for user intervention.

In a continuous method for producing a protein product, the method caninclude (a) dehulling the hemp seeds, (b) sorting hemp hearts from thedehulled hemp seed hulls, (c) heating the isolated hemp hearts to atleast 30° C., (d) applying pressure to the heated hearts for a period oftime to permit extraction of oil from the hemp hearts, (e) recoveringand de-lumping the solids, (f) dividing the solids into a first streamand a second stream and re-cycling the first stream through steps(d)-(e) and collecting the second stream; and/or (g) removing residualoil from the second solid fraction to produce a protein productcomprising less than 15% oil by weight. The pressure used in the methodcan be any source and manner of applying pressure that is compatiblewith the stated parameters and outcomes and can include, but is notnecessarily limited to expeller pressing with a screw-type continuousexpeller press or a twin-screw type continuous press.

In a continuous method for producing an oil product from hemp seeds, themethod can include (a) dehulling the hemp seeds; (b) sorting hemp heartsfrom hemp seed hulls; (c) heating the isolated hemp hearts to at least30° C. to produce conditioned hemp hearts; (d) expeller-pressing theconditioned hemp hearts to produce pressed isolated hemp hearts; (e)de-lumping the pressed isolated hemp hearts; (f) dividing the de-lumpedpressed isolated hemp hearts into a first output stream and a secondoutput stream; (g) mixing the first output stream with the conditionedhemp hearts after said conditioned hemp hearts are conditioned andbefore they are pressed, to produce a mixed product comprising theconditioned hemp hearts and the first output stream; and/or (h)recovering the oil from the expeller pressing step. In some embodiments,the steps f) and g) are repeated until the second output stream is <15%residual oil. The pressure used in the method can be any source andmanner of applying pressure that is compatible with the statedparameters and outcomes and can include, but is not necessarily limitedto expeller pressing with a screw-type continuous expeller press or atwin-screw type continuous press.

In a batch method for producing a protein product from hemp seeds, themethod can include dehulling the hemp seeds; sorting hemp hearts fromhemp seed hulls; heating the isolated hemp hearts to at least 30° C.;bagging the hemp hearts after in a bag adapted to withstand highpressures and permit oil escape from the bag while containing solidswithin the bag; applying hydraulic pressure to the bagged hemp heartsfor a period of time to permit extraction of oil from the hemp hearts;recovering and de-lumping the solids; and extracting residual oil fromthe solids to produce a protein product comprising less than 15% oil byweight.

In a batch method for producing an oil product from hemp seeds, themethod can include dehulling the hemp seeds; sorting hemp hearts fromhemp seed hulls; heating the isolated hemp hearts to at least 30° C. toproduce conditioned hemp hearts; bagging the hemp hearts in a bagadapted to withstand high pressures and permit oil escape from the bagwhile containing solids within the bag; applying hydraulic pressure tothe bagged hemp hearts for a period of time to permit extraction of oilfrom the hemp hearts; and recovering the oil.

In some embodiments, it is possible for a single continuous process toproduce both an oil product and a protein product, although this is notrequired in all embodiments. Likewise, in some embodiments, it ispossible for a single batch process to produce both an oil product and aprotein product, although this is not required in all embodiments.Accordingly, some embodiments of the invention relate to a method forsimultaneously producing a protein product and an oil product from hempseeds using the methods disclosed herein.

The method can include dehulling the hemp seeds. Examples of dehullingmethods can include dehulling and cleaning by an impact, roller orraspelling de-huller, aspirator, clipper cleaner, fluidized bed gravitytable, sieve, indent cleaning, scalper, and/or the like. In someembodiments, the dehulling and cleaning step can produce dehulled hempseeds that are substantially free of hemp seed shells, hemp seed coatand foreign material. Foreign material can be defined as any non-hempmaterial present on the hemp seeds. Substantially free can be defined asa reduction of at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 99%, or more of thehemp seed shells, seed coat and/or foreign material that was present onthe hemp seeds prior to the dehulling step.

The method can include sorting hemp hearts from the dehulled hemp seeds.The sorting step can include sieving, indent cleaning, scalping,aspiration, clipper cleaners, gravity tables, and/or optical sorting.The optical sorting can be based upon one or more of size, shape, and/orcolorimetric or compositional assay. The optical sorting can include butneed not be limited to visible light, near infrared light, or infraredlight. In some embodiments, the dehulled hemp seeds are conveyed into ahopper that feeds an optical sorter. The optical sorter can use air flowto remove non-heart material from the dehulled hemp seeds. Non-heartmaterial can include shells, seed coat, fiber, foreign material, and/orthe like. In some embodiments, the non-heart material is carried fromthe dehulled hemp seeds into a collection vessel. In some embodiments,the sorting step produces hemp seed hearts that are substantially freeof non-hemp seed heart material. Substantially free can be defined as areduction of at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more of thenon-heart material that was present on the hemp seeds prior to thesorting step. The isolated hemp seed hearts after the sorting step canbe referred to as white hemp hearts (WHH) or primarily endospermmaterial or isolated hemp hearts. These hearts are substantially freefrom all non-heart material including but not limited to the hulls,fractional hull pieces, seed coat (the green covering interior to thehull, exterior to the heart) that cover the hemp endosperm (heart) andforeign materials (rocks, insects, stems, non-hemp seeds).

The method can include a heating step wherein the isolated hemp heartsare heated. The heating step can include the use of one or more of aheater, oven, roaster, conditioner, and/or the like. The unit used forheating can be any unit that heats a material such as a heated surfacewith a sweeping mixing blade, rotary drum, stacked, vertical plate, orspiral cookers. The heating step can be referred to as “conditioning.”The isolated hemp hearts can be heated to an internal temperature of atleast 30° C., 40° C., 50° C., 60° C., 70° C., 80° C., 90° C., 100° C.,110° C., 120° C., 130° C., 140° C., or more. For example, the isolatedhemp hearts can be heated to an internal temperature of at least 60° C.and up to 140° C. Thermal treatment of the hemp hearts can reduce oilviscosity and rupture oil bodies, facilitating oil extraction. Thermaltreatment of the hemp hearts can also inactivate enzymes deleterious tooil quality. However, excessive heating should be avoided as it maydamage the oil and proteins in the hemp hearts. Excessive heating is afunction of time and temperature. Greater temperatures can cause proteinand oil damage in lesser time while prolonged exposure to lessertemperature can still cause protein and oil damage.

The method can include an expeller pressing step using a screw-typeexpeller press or the like. In these embodiments the heated, isolatedhemp hearts can be conveyed into the feed opening or throat of theexpeller press. The press can include a feeding screw, pre-pressingscrew stage or a combination of both. The main pressing zones canincorporate a single or dual screw to convey the hearts through themachine. The heated, isolated hearts can be conveyed into the barrel ofthe press by the flighting on the screw, also known as a “worm” or“spindle”. The diameter of the screw body may increase, while flightingspacing can be narrowed to continually increase shear and compressionforces on the heated, isolated hearts. Breaker bars, interruptions inflighting, serrations or “teeth” on flighting and or the like can beused to facilitate oil expression. Expeller presses can have zones ofincreased mixing and shear and increased compression to optimize oilremoval from the pressed biomass. The specific design may vary and isoften proprietary to the particular expeller press manufacturer. Someexpeller presses use single screws, multiple screws in sequence, ormultiple screws that operate in a parallel, counter-rotating orco-rotating fashion. In some embodiments, the de-oiled isolated hemphearts, now called “press cake,” can have less than 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%,4%, 2% or less residual oil by weight. Residual oil can includetriglycerides, free fatty acids, tocopherols, phytosterols, polyphenolsand other minor phytochemicals. In some embodiments, the step ofcontinuous expeller pressing produces de-oiled isolated hemp heartssubstantially free of chlorophyll and condensed tannins and otherpolyphenols that contribute to astringency and bitter flavors.Substantially free can be defined as a reduction of at least 50, 60, 70,80, 90%, or more of the chlorophyll, condensed tannins, and polyphenolsoriginally present in the hemp seed.

In some embodiments the continuous method can include conveying aportion of the de-oiled isolated hemp hearts back into the feed inlet orthroat of the expeller press. Re-feeding the previously pressed materialcan serve as a source of a press aide to increase friction, preventcorotation, and prevent partially-pressed, heated, isolated hearts fromextruding through the expeller press barrel, and increase overallde-oiling efficiency. The previously pressed material can be re-fed as amixture of fresh, heated, isolated hearts in a ratio of 1:100 to 1:1.Re-feeding is performed continuously by conveying the previously pressedcake into a gravimetric or volumetric feeder. The measuring feeder isthen used to maintain the appropriate ratio of previously pressed cakeand un-pressed, conditioned, isolated hemp hearts. The re-fed materialmay be first reduced in particle size by de-lumping, cake breaking orcutting knives or other technology, or re-pressed in the same form itexited the expeller press. The ratio of previously pressed cake toun-pressed conditioned isolated hemp hearts can be continuously variableand controlled manually by human intervention or fully automated basedupon feedback from the material and expeller machine. This feedback caninclude, but is not limited to, power consumption of the press,temperature of the press and or press cake and in-line nondestructivemeasurements of de-oiling efficacy. Online measurement is well known tothose skilled in the art and can include Fourier-Transform nearinfrared, near infrared, and infrared analysis. These technologies canprovide rapid proximate analysis of the press cake. Using these inputs,a control system can be devised to manually or automatically adjust theratio of ratio of previously pressed cake to un-pressed conditionedisolated hemp hearts by increasing feeding rate of the previouslypressed cake, conditioned, isolated hemp hearts, or both. Adjustmentsshould be made as little as possible to avoid a gross upset condition ofthe process.

Thus, in some embodiments, the press cake can be divided into twostreams, one goes forward to supercritical fluid and or subcriticalliquid or gas solvent extraction and the other is recirculated to apoint in the process that is upstream from, or at, the input of theexpeller press. In some embodiments, supercritical solvent extraction issuper critical CO₂. The liquid solvent can be a non-polar organicsolvent like hexane, but any others known to those skilled in the artcan be used.

In a batch process, the method can include applying hydraulic pressureto the heated hemp hearts for a period of time. The hydraulic pressurecan be applied by a hydraulic press, and/or the like. Hydraulic pressurecan be applied at 4000, 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500, 7000, 7500, 8000, 8500,8900, or more psi. The isolated hemp hearts can be loaded intocontainment bags prior to subjection to the hydraulic pressure. Thecontainment bags are porous and are woven or non-woven, and can be madeof any thermally stable, direct food-contact grade polymer. For example,the thermally stable polymer can be naturally derived type such ascotton or industrial hemp fiber, polyethylene terephthalate polyester,polyamide, polypropylene or a blend of the like. The bag can be capableof withstanding the process temperature and pressures without undueelongation of the fibers and/or polymers, without leaching of unwantedcontaminants, without tearing or abrading and the like. The bag can bere-used until damage is noted by a machine operator. If damage is notedin a given bag, it should be discarded. In some embodiments, theapplying hydraulic pressure step can occur at 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 or more ° C. In someembodiments, the period of time can be 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 75, 90, 120,or more minutes. In some embodiments, the applying hydraulic pressurestep produces de-oiled isolated hemp hearts with reduced residual oilcompared to isolated hemp hearts prior to the applying hydraulicpressure. In some embodiments, the de-oiled isolated hemp hearts, nowcalled press cake, have less than 20, 15, 10, 5, 4, 2% residual oil byweight. Residual oil can include triglycerides, free fatty acids,tocopherols, phytosterols, polyphenols and other minor phytochemicals.In some embodiments, the step of applying hydraulic pressure producesde-oiled isolated hemp hearts substantially free of chlorophyll andcondensed tannins and other polyphenols that contribute to astringencyand bitter flavors. Substantially free can be defined as a reduction ofat least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90%, or more of the chlorophyll, condensedtannins, and polyphenols originally present in the hemp seed.

In some embodiments, the method can include de-lumping the de-oiledisolated hemp hearts. The de-lumping step can be done by mixing,agitating, and/or the like with a de-lumping unit. For example, thede-lumping step can include use of a rotating cylinder with teeth orknives that can be blunt or sharpened or other means to physically breakapart press cake into smaller particles. The teeth rotate and intermeshwith static teeth to crush the cake into smaller pieces. If bags areemployed, the de-oiled isolated hemp hearts can be removed from thecontainment bag prior to de-lumping. The de-lumping can produce hempheart protein product pieces of less than 20, 15, 10, 5, 2.5 mm or less.

In some embodiments, the method can include extracting, separating,and/or recovering an oil from the hemp heart press cake pieces. Theextracting, separating, and/or collecting can include use ofsupercritical CO₂, hexane, iso-hexane, pentane, butane,2-methyltetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, and/or the like. The hemp heartprotein product pieces can be loaded into a container, such as anextraction cylinder. The oil can be extracted by supercritical CO₂ at1070 up to 15,000 or greater psi at 31° C. up to 120° C. for 1 to 600minutes. For example, the oil can be extracted between 3500-6500 psi or3500-5076 psi. For example, the oil can be extracted at about 3500,4000, 4500, or 5000 psi for 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450,500, 550, or 600 minutes. The oil can be extracted by any suitableorganic solvent (non-polar solvents) most often at an elevatedtemperature that is less than the solvent's boiling point for 1 to 600minutes. In embodiments using non-polar solvents, a removal step must beapplied. For example, a multiple effect evaporator may distill thesolvent from the oil by heating under vacuum until the solvent boils andbecomes a gas. The oil has a much greater boiling point and will notbecome gaseous; thus, the two materials will separate. The resultinghemp seed oil composition can be gravity settled, centrifuged, filteredand/or refined to produce a hemp seed oil product. The hemp seed oilproduct can be packaged for storage/shipment.

In some embodiments, the step of extracting, separating, and/orcollecting an oil from the hemp heart protein product pieces produces ade-oiled hemp seed protein composition. The resulting de-oiled hemp seedprotein composition can have a fat content of 15, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5,4, 3, 2, 1% or less. The de-oiled hemp seed protein composition can bemilled and may be sieved or classified to produce a protein product.Various mill types, such as an air classifying mill, hammer mill, pinmill, roller mill or others can be used. The protein product may or maynot be sieved or classified and it can then be packaged forstorage/shipment.

Hemp Seed Protein Product

Improved hemp seed protein products produced by the methods disclosedherein are provided. Some embodiments of the invention relate to a finalproduct comprising the hemp seed protein product produced by themethods, for example a meal replacement bar, nutritional beverage, meatanalogue, protein supplement powders and dry mixes, frozen desserts, andmore.

In some embodiments, the protein product includes 60-95% hemp protein.The protein product can include at least 60, 65, 70, 75, 80%, 90%, 95%protein, or more. In some embodiments, the protein product can include0.1-12% residual oil. In some embodiments, the protein product caninclude less than 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0.5% residual oil/fat.

In some embodiments, the protein product is substantially free ofnon-hemp compounds. In some embodiments, the protein product is over 95,96, 97, 98, 99, 99.5, 99.9% endogenous hemp material. In someembodiments, the protein product has improved levels of one or more oftocopherols, polyphenols, contaminant minerals, peroxide value, freefatty acids, etc., where “improved” in this context means more desirablelevels of any of these components as would be understood in the art. Insome embodiments, the protein product is an improved hemp seed proteinproduct with at least one value parameter determined by comparison witha cold-press hemp seed press cake. The value parameter can be lightercolor, improved mouth feel, improved user acceptance, increaseddigestibility and protein quality, diminished flavor and aroma, improveduniformity, longer shelf life, greater solubility, decreased oxidation,decreased rancidity, increased water holding, increased oil holding,prolonged dispersion in water, increased foaming capacity, increasedgelation, greater emulsifying capacity, and/or the like.

Hemp Seed Oil Product

Improved hemp seed oil products produced by the methods disclosed hereinare provided. Some embodiments of the invention relate to a finalproduct comprising the hemp seed oil product, for example: a body wash,moisturizing product for hair or skin, lotions, salad dressing, dips andspreads, frozen desserts, and more.

In some embodiments, the oil product is substantially free of non-hempcompounds. In some embodiments, the oil product is over 95, 96, 97, 98,99, 99.5, 99.9% endogenous hemp material. In some embodiments, the oilproduct has a shelf life of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,18, 24 or more months. In some embodiments, the oil product has adifferent viscosity compared to cold pressed hemp seed oil. In someembodiments, the oil product is an improved hemp seed oil product withat least one value parameter is determined by comparison with a hempseed oil product produced by cold-pressing of whole hemp seeds. Thevalue parameter can be decreased oil oxidation, increased shelf life,decreased rancidity, improved user acceptance, lighter color, improvedflavor improved aroma, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the method is chemical-free. In some embodiments,the system and methods are substantially mechanical.

Systems

Embodiments of the invention relate to systems for producing hemp seedproducts including any of the methods disclosed herein. The system caninclude an input of hemp seeds, seed cleaner, dehuller, one or morecleaner/sorters, a conditioning unit, a continuous expeller press, ade-lumper, a diverter, a returner, a mixer, a collector, ansupercritical fluid extractor, non-polar solvent extraction, millingequipment, sieving equipment, and/or any equipment described herein. Thesystem can also include a conveyor belt, elevator or pneumatic tube, anextraction cylinder and/or any containers described herein. When used asa system, the various subassemblies and/or parts are arranged in a waythat they interact to provide the result described herein. Hence, thesystem constitutes the combination of the various mechanical componentsand process functionalities that provide the desired result of producingthe protein and/or oil products described herein.

In some embodiments, the method or system can include a feedbackcomponent. The feedback component can include an inline fat/oilmeasuring device (some examples of technology that could be used includenear infrared (NIR), Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) andinfrared (IR) and other rapid inline, nondestructive methods). Forexample, a rapid secondary method analysis instrument such as theaforementioned can be used. In some embodiments, the analytical devicecan analyze the proximate composition (fat, protein, carbohydrates, ash,moisture). The process flow can be 100% forward to the next unitoperation or a portion between 1:100 to 1:1 part press cake toconditioned isolated hemp hearts can be diverted backward to the inletof the expeller press based on the residual fat content of the presscake exiting the de-lumper. For example, 1:100, 1:80, 1:60, 1:40, 1:20,1:10, 1:5, or 1:1 part press cake to conditioned isolated hemp heartscan be diverted backward to the inlet of the expeller press. Thefeedback apparatus can be manually or automatically operated.

Apparatus

In some embodiments, the invention relates to an apparatus adapted tocarry out any of the methods or systems described herein.

EXAMPLES Example 1—Conversion of Hemp Seeds to Isolated Hemp Hearts

A first phase of the System of the invention converts hemp seeds toisolated hemp hearts. Hemp seeds are de-hulled and cleaned viaconventional means including but not limited to impact dehulling,roller, raspeller dehulling, aspiration, fluidized bed gravity tables,sieves, and scalpers. Once substantially free from shells and foreignmaterial, the hearts are conveyed into a hopper that feeds an opticalsorter. The optical sorter uses jets of air to blow shells, green seedcoat, and any other foreign material out of the product flow and into acollection vessel. The remaining clean hearts, substantially free fromall non-heart material, continue into a collection vessel. These arecalled isolated hemp hearts or WHH.

The isolated hemp hearts are substantially free of chlorophyll andcondensed tannins. It should be noted that chlorophylls which is foundin abundance in the shell of the hemp seed and the seed coat, play anacute role in oil oxidation, as described further in Example 4.Condensed tannins are widely considered antinutrients because they maybind to proteins and reduce the protein bioavailability. Chlorophyll issensitive to heat, light and oxygen. As chlorophyll decomposes, freeradical peroxides are produced. This rapidly leads to oil oxidation andrancidity. In contrast to seeds, isolated hemp hearts do not have anysubstantial amount of chlorophyll, condensed tannins, or otherendogenous components that, individually or collectively, would promoteoxidation and deterioration of the quality of the products of theSystem.

Example 2—Conditioning of Isolated Hemp Hearts

In a second phase of the System, the isolated hemp hearts are loadedinto a conditioner that consists of a heated surface with a sweepingmixing blade. The hearts are conditioned by heating them to an internaltemperature of at least 60° C. and up to 140° C. This pre-conditioningwith heat breaks down oil bodies within the isolated hemp hearts,permitting efficient oil extraction under pressure, as described in thenext Examples. The desired internal temperature is reached by acombination of conditioner temperature, residence time of the seeds, andquantity (or aggregate mass) of seeds to be roasted. These parameterscan be determined empirically for each conditioner.

In a batch-process approach, once this residence time and desiredinternal temperature of the seeds has been reached, the conditioner isemptied, and further processing of isolated hemp hearts is done asdescribed in the subsequent examples. In a batch-continuous approach,the appropriate residence time and internal temperature of the isolatedhemp hearts are achieved by moving a given quantity or mass of isolatedhemp hearts at a pre-determined rate through a continuous-typeconditioner such as a rotary steam conditioner or vertical plate, deepbed or other type cooker. A combination of parameters including theisolated hemp hearts loading rate into the conditioner, the rate ofprogress through the conditioner, the surface temperature and airtemperature and circulation within the conditioner, and the like, worktogether to achieve a desired residence time and final internaltemperature of the isolated hemp hearts. The batch conditioner heatingin this example is preferably set to 140° C. The isolated hemp heartsare heated for 20 minutes until they reach 100° C. The isolated hemphearts are then discharged and moved to the next unit operation.Conditioner-specific operational parameters are highly dependent on thetype of conditioner, quantity of isolated hemp hearts to be conditionedand the like.

In a semi-continuous process approach, the conditioner comprisesmultiple conditioning drums. While the first drum is conditioning, thesecond drum is being unloaded and re-loaded with un-conditioned isolatedhemp hearts. In this manner there is minimal time between batches, thusmaximizing capacity. Conditioning can be with or without additional hotair for drying effect. In this approach the isolated hemp hearts areloaded into the dryer at a constant rate, heated and dried within thecooker body, rotating drum. The conditioner will empty into a feed orsurge hopper for the batch or continuous oil press. This semi-continuousapproach can also be accomplished using rotating drum, swept heatedsurface, stacked type conditioners, or the like.

In a continuous approach, the appropriate residence time and internaltemperature of the isolated hemp hearts are achieved by moving a givenquantity or mass of isolated hemp hearts at a pre-determined ratethrough a continuous-type conditioner such as a rotary steam conditioneror vertical plate conditioner, deep bed conditioner cooker or the like.A combination of parameters including the isolated hemp hearts loadingrate into the conditioner, the rate of progress through the conditioner,the surface temperature and air temperature and circulation within theconditioner, and the like, work together to achieve a desired residencetime and final internal temperature of the isolated hemp hearts.

In a continuous process approach, the conditioner is continually beingfed and emptied of conditioned hearts. This may be accomplished with arotary steam tube dryer, a rotary dryer with external heat, either ofthe aforementioned with or without additional hot air for drying effect.In this approach the isolated hemp hearts are loaded into the dryer at aconstant rate, heated and dried within the rotating drum, andcontinuously emptied at the same rate. The conditioner will empty into afeed or surge hopper for the batch or continuous oil press. Thiscontinuous approach may also be accomplished using stacked typeconditioners vertical plate conditioner, deep bed conditioner, or thelike.

Example 3—Bagging Roasted White Hemp Heart

In a third phase of the batch System, the hot isolated hemp hearts areloaded into pressing bags made of polyethylene terephthalate polyester.The bags are woven or otherwise porous. Bags made from other food safe,thermally stable natural or synthetic polymers can be used. These bagsallow for very high pressures to be applied without material beingforced through the oil perforations in the hydraulic press as describedin Example 4.

Bagging the isolated hemp hearts in the specially suited bags of theSystem avoids the difficulties commonly found in working with dehulledseeds. This is because, typically, a minimum amount of fiber is requiredto prevent the biomass from co-rotating with the press screw or becominga paste. Essentially, the bags of the System avoid the need for anypresence of fiber from hulls or other form of added fiber that would benecessary, in other approaches, to effective pressing and oilextraction.

Example 4—Pressing the Roasted and Bagged White Hemp Heart

In a fourth phase of the batch System, the roasted and bagged isolatedhemp hearts are pressed. The press can be operated at ambienttemperatures, but it is preferred to operate at 40° C. and morepreferred to operate at 60° C. or greater to facilitate oil expression.The press subjects the conditioned, isolated hemp hearts to hydraulicpressure in excess of 8,900 psi for a period of 0 to 120 minutes. Inthis phase of the System, conditioned isolated hemp hearts are de-oiledto <20% residual oil. The press conditions can be altered to achieve areduction to as low as 2% residual oil.

In a batch-process approach, the press is employed until the desiredpressure and residence time are achieved. This can be determined basedupon the amount of residual oil found in the isolated hemp heartsmaterial after pressing. After a batch is pressed, the bags are removedfrom the press and other bags can be loaded for pressing. In asemi-continuous approach, the pressing is carried out by feeding bags ofroasted, isolated hemp hearts into a serial press that appliesincreasing amounts of pressure to the bags as they move through thepress. Adjustments to the rate of progress through the serial presspermit achievement of the desired pressing time and the desired amountof residual oil in the pressed isolated hemp hearts material. A serialpress of the System can have stages wherein different pressing platesapply different amounts of pressure for a pre-set time before the baggedisolated hemp hearts material moves to a subsequent plate. Betweenmoving from plate to plate, various methods can be employed to breakapart the cake to facilitate further oil removal. Alternatively, theserial press can have a series of rollers whose size, spacing, and otherparameters permit application of increasing pressure to the bags as thebags progress through the various rollers. Alternatively, bags can beloaded into cylinder for pressing, pressed, then broken apart and movedto the next pressing cylinder, with up to five or more pressing cycles.

Example 5—Expeller Pressing Isolated Hemp Hearts

In a continuous approach, instead of bagging the isolated hemp hearts,the conditioned isolated hemp hearts are deposited into a feed or surgehopper for the screw type oil expeller press. There may or may not be afeed auger or conveyance, and a single or multiple screw system arrangedas a single screw, a single screw that feeds another screw or anarrangement of two screws with or without feeding screw, that intermeshand operate parallel to each other to convey material through thepressing barrel or body. The material drops from the hopper into theauger body that conveys it into the press opening or throat. It is thenpressed by the single screw, two screws in sequence, or twin screw inparallel expeller press to shear and compress the isolated hemp heartsuntil the majority of the oil contained in them is liberated and emptiesthe press by perforations or gaps in the expeller barrel. In this phaseof the System, conditioned isolated hemp hearts are de-oiled to <20%residual oil. The press conditions can be altered to achieve a reductionto as low as 8% residual oil. The de-oiled press cake exits the nozzleat the end of the barrel and is conveyed to the next process step.

Example 6—Improving Pressing Efficiency by Press Cake Reprocessing

In the continuous approach, the expeller press produces de-oiled,isolated hemp hearts or press cake as an outcome. This material may beconveyed to the next unit operation, or a portion of the press cake maybe conveyed to the expeller press throat or feed inlet. It may be brokeninto smaller particles or repressed as in the same condition itinitially exits the expeller press. The press cake is conveyed to avolumetric or gravimetric metering feeder that meters in the appropriateamount of press cake with heated, isolated hearts to be fed into thesurge or feed hopper of the expeller press. This mixture is processed inthe expeller press into an oil product and a press cake product. Thecontinuous process employed in this system allows for pressing withoutthe use of shells or an exogenous fiber source, thus maintaining thedesired smooth texture. Previously pressed, the press cake is brokenapart using a de-lumper, then recycled back to the infeed of theexpeller press in a metered fashion at a ratio of 1:100 to 1:1 partspress cake to conditioned isolated hemp hearts by use of volumetricfeeder. This pre-pressed cake acts to improve oil yield and as apressing aide to increase friction and help move unpressed heartsthrough the expeller. In this phase of the System, conditioned isolatedhemp hearts are de-oiled to <20% residual oil. The press conditions canbe altered to achieve a reduction to as low as 5% residual oil.

Example 7—Oil Recovered from the Pressing Phase

The pressing phase of the System produces oil as one outcome.Importantly, the hemp seed oil produced by the System is substantiallyfree of chlorophyll, which if present, would rapidly lead to oiloxidation and rancidity. Hemp seed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats.While beneficial for human nutrition, these fats are especiallysusceptible to oxidative rancidity. It is beneficial to produce oilsubstantially free from chlorophyll, and other unstable phytochemicals.The oil contains small, but appreciable amounts of naturally occurring,endogenous tocopherols and sitosterols, both of which are antioxidantsthat prolong oil shelf life. The resulting oil contains impurities suchas pieces or hearts, dense gums, other substances. These are removed byallowing the mixture to settle via gravity or centrifugation to separatesolids and more dense impurities. The oil is then filtered to clarifyand remove potential microbial contaminants. The oil is tested inassays, for example, an assay for free fatty acids, peroxide value,and/or p-anisidine value.

Example 8—Press Cake Recovered from the Pressing Phase, and FurtherProcessing

In addition to the oil recovered from the pressing phase, the Systemalso produces a de-oiled isolated hemp hearts material known as presscake. In another phase of the System, the press cake from the expellerpresses or press bags is de-lumped or broken into small pieces of lessthan 5 mm by a de-lumper. The physical characteristics of the de-lumperare employing mechanical force to break apart the cake into smallerpieces. The size distribution of the pieces can be adjusted by speed andspacing of the rotating teeth and stationary teeth. One parameter is theparticle size distribution of the de-lumped material. The de-lumpedmaterial is substantially free from fines and free from oversizedparticles. Fines are particles of a size such that they interfere withproper processing in subsequent unit operations. Practically this means<0.5 mm. Oversized particles can also interfere with subsequent unitoperations. In this example oversize particles are >5 mm. The de-lumpercan be comprised of one or more spinning cylinder with teeth thatrotates. The teeth intermesh with a stationary set of teeth of themachine. As it rotates, press cake is broken between the moving andstationary teeth. There is sufficient space between the teeth thatappropriately sized particles fall by gravity into a collection hopperbelow the machine and large particles remain in the machine until brokendown to an appropriate size. The de-lumper may have one or many rotatingcylinders with teeth and static teeth that intermesh and crush the cakeinto smaller pieces. Alternative de-lumping or cake breaking approachesinclude spinning knives or blades and vibratory decomposition of thepress cake into smaller pieces.

In conventional hemp seed processing and pressing, the press cakeretains a grainy texture even when finely ground and sifted, due to thelarge quantity of water-insoluble hull pieces. However, the press cakeof the System does not have this grainy texture because the isolatedhemp hearts are substantially free of hull pieces. If bags are employed,the bags used in the pressing phase obviate the need for added fiber orhull pieces in the pressing process.

Example 9—Extraction of Remaining Oil from the Press Cake

In a subsequent phase of the System, the delumped press cake material isloaded into an extraction cylinder for supercritical fluid CO₂extraction. In some applications Supercritical CO₂ behaves similarly toa non-polar solvent. Hemp seed oil is primarily composed of non-polartriglycerides. Operating on the principle of like dissolves like, thecompressed CO₂ dissolves oil in the press cake pieces and carries theoil away from the press cake pieces. The oil is extracted at 1070 up to15000 psi at 31° C. up to 120° C. for 0 to 600 minutes. The relativelylow temperature of the process and inert nature of CO₂ also allows theoils to be extracted to be with little damage to oil quality ordenaturation of proteins and no residual organic solvents. This phasede-oils the seed cake to levels of 6% or less fat. Protein powders areprone to oxidative damage due to the large surface area of the smallparticles. Reducing the fat content prolongs shelf life before rancidtype flavors develop.

Example 10—Extraction of Remaining Oil from the Press Cake

In a next phase of the System, the de-lumped press cake material isloaded into an extraction vessel or continuous co-current orcounter-current non-polar solvent extractor. Many solvents are non-polarand dissolve other non-polar compounds. Hemp seed oil is primarilycomposed of non-polar triglycerides. The oil is extracted using asuitable non-polar solvent such as hexane, chosen because it isrelatively non-toxic, dissolves edible oil well, and requires lowthermal input to evaporate it from the cake and oil products. Thisnon-polar solvent phase requires a thermally driven evaporation ofresidual solvent in both the oil and protein powder products. This phasede-oils the seed cake to levels of 6% fat or less. Removal of oilimproves the shelf stability of the hemp proteins by reducing the offflavors created by oil rancidity. Protein powders are prone to oxidativedamage due to the large surface area of the small particles. Reducingthe fat content prolongs shelf life before rancid type flavors develop.

The de-lumped press cake material is loaded into an extraction vessel orcontinuous concurrent or countercurrent nonpolar solvent extractor. Manynonpolar solvents are non-polar and dissolve other non-polar compounds.Hemp seed oil is primarily composed of non-polar triglycerides. The oilis extracted using a suitable solvent such as hexane, chosen because itis relatively non-toxic, dissolves oil well, and requires low thermalinput to remove it from the cake and oil products by distillation orother thermally driven process. Any other nonpolar solvent with thetraits described previously may be used. This nonpolar solvent phaserequires a thermally driven evaporation of residual solvent in both theoil and protein powder products. This phase de-oils the seed cake tolevels of 6% fat or less. Removal of oil improves the shelf stability ofthe hemp proteins by reducing the off flavors created by oil rancidity.Protein powders are prone to oxidative damage due to the large surfacearea of the small particles. Reducing the fat content prolongs shelflife before rancid-type flavors develop.

Example 11—Recovery and Characteristics of Novel Protein Produced by theSystem

TABLE 1+12 Typical Certificate of Analysis Specifications Analysis typeSpecification Aerobic Plate Count <10,000 cfu/g Total coliform <3 MPN/gE. coli <3 MPN/g Salmonella Negative/375 g Staph. Aureus <3 MPN/gProtein >70% w/w Yeast & Mold <500 cfu/g Gluten <10 ppm Moisture <8% THCContent ≤4 ppm Typical Values per 100 g protein product Ash <12 gCalories 350 g Carbohydrates <12 g Fat <6 g Cholesterol 0 g pH Value 6.5g Amino Acid Analysis Per 100 g Novel Protein Concentrate Product Weight% of total Protein Cysteine & Methionine**  2.9 g 4.3 Tryptophan**  0.9g 1.3 Aspartic acid  7.1 g 10.6 Threonine**  2.3 g 3.4 Serine  3.42 g5.1 Glutamic acid 12.31 g 18.4 Proline  2.65 g 4 Glycine   3 g 4.5Alanine  2.88 g 4.3 Valine**  3.37 g 5 Isoleucine**  2.72 g 4.1Leucine**  4.52 g 6.7 Tyrosine & Phenylalanine**  5.43 g 8.1 Lysine** 2.58 g 3.9 Histidine**  1.9 g 2.8 Arginine  9.01 g 13.4 **Indicates anessential amino acid as defined by the World Health Organization

Using an in-vitro protein digestibility adjusted amino acid score(PDCAAS), the novel hemp heart protein concentrate scored 0.63. This ismore digestible than the typical PDCAAS score of 0.5 to 0.55 of hempseed protein made by the typical green oil and protein process.

Example 12—Characteristics of Oil Produced by the System

TABLE 2 Certificate of Analysis Specifications Analysis typeSpecification Aerobic Plate Count <10,000 cfu/g Total coliform <3 MPN/ge. coli <3 MPN/g Salmonella Negative/375 g staph. aureus <3 MPN/g Yeast& Mold <500 cfu/g Gluten <10 ppm THC Content <10 ppm Free Fatty Acids<2% expr. as Oleic Acid Peroxide Value <10.0 mEq/kg Typical Values per100 g Calories 900 cal Carbohydrates 0 Fat >97% w/w Protein 0Cholesterol 0 Fat Composition Fatty Acid Percent of total fat c-Linoleic55.768 c-alpha Linolenic 17.189 cis Oleic 12.183 Palmitic 5.179 gammaLinolenic 4.016 Stearic 2.456 Stearidonic 1.225 Arachidic 0.826 Gadoleic0.393 Behenic 0.331 t-Octadecadienoic 0.131 Lignoceric 0.12 Palmitoleic0.071 Eicosadienoic 0.071 Margaric 0.041

Example 13—Product Comparison 1

Table 3 provides a comparison of the products of the System carried outwith other products made by other approaches. “V-70™ Hemp Heart ProteinConcentrate” is a protein powder product produced by the methodsdescribed herein. “Protein50” is a hemp seed press cake produced by themethod described herein. Protein50 is a traditional hemp seed proteinconcentrate made from press cake. The whole or dehulled seeds areexpeller pressed, milled, and sifted or classified. This protein productincludes small pieces of shell, condensed tannins and chlorophylls. Itcan be manufactured in batch, semi-continuous, or continuous fashion.

TABLE 3 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Victory Hemp Foods: >70 <6 <10 <14 <8white, smooth texture V70 ™ Hemp Heart Protein Concentrate* Victory HempFoods:   50% 9-18% 9-20 6-9 5-11 green, grainy Protein50* LiaoningQiaopai 65.8 2.99 16.6 9.6 5.02 Bitter. Notable black Biotech Co., Ltdspeckles, off white. Manitoba Harvest: 62.5 18.75 6.25 <12.5 <12.5Slightly gritty/grainy. Hemp Yeah! Hemp Oil Canada: 65 — — — — Slightlygritty/grainy in Hemp Bev 65 application GFR Ingredients: 76-80 12 1.4 —<5 Water extracted, green, Hemp-Sol 80 vegetal flavor EVO Hemp: 50% 32.48.63 46.6 6.79 5.55 Green, gritty, bitter, Protein astringent. EVO Hemp:90% 90 3 0 <7 <7 Off-white, poor solubility. Bitter flavor. Good Hemp:85% >85% <4 <0.1 — — Sour, vegetal, musty Hemp Protein flavor. Slightgrittiness *product produced by the invention Table Key A. Product B. %Protein C. % Fat D. % Carbohydrates E. % Ash F. % Moisture G.Qualitative

Example 14—Product Comparison 2

Typical proximate composition of whole hemp seeds, shelled hemp seeds,typical green oil process oil (Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil), typicalgreen oil process press cake (Protein33), typical green oil process hempprotein concentrate (Protein50), novel system process hemp proteinconcentrate and oil (V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein Concentrate and V-ONE™Hemp Heart Oil). “V-ONE™ Hemp Heart Oil” is an oil product produced bythe methods disclosed herein. “V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein” is a proteinproduct produced by the methods disclosed herein.

TABLE 4 A. B. C. D. E. F. G.* H.* CARBOHYDRATES 6.05 4.39 <0.1 50 18.16.5 <0.1 ASH 5 5.75 <0.1 6 8.2 12 <0.1 FAT 49 48.9 100 10 17.6 2.5 100MOISTURE 5.55 5.76 <0.1 1 7.3 5 <0.1 PROTEIN 34.4 35.2 <0.1 33 48.8 74<0.1 CHECK SUM 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 *products produced by theinvention Table Key A. Proximate B. Seeds C. Hemp Seed D. Oil E. Protein33 F. Protein 50 G. V70 ™ Hemp Heart Protein* H. Hemp Heart Oil*

Example 15—Cold Pressed Oil and Press Cake Versus V-ONE™ Hemp Heart Oiland V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein Powder

The prior art protein powders range from light green to deep green-brown(see FIG. 3). They suffer from astringency, grainy mouthfeel, and poorprotein functionality in food and beverage applications.

Example 16—Product Comparison 3

Some advantages of this process include extended shelf life, improvedflavor, improved consumer liking and acceptance, and suitability in awide range of food, beverage, and personal care applications. Shelf lifeof both protein powder and oil are at least 1 year, respectively.Previous protein powders made from whole hemp seeds begin to changecolor and flavor often becomes objectionable before 1 year of shelflife. The oil shelf life is extended due to diminished chlorophyllcontent. Chlorophyll is unstable in the presence of heat and especiallylight. As it decomposes, free radicals are formed that initiate furtherdamage to fatty acids, leading to a cascading degradation and rancidoil.

Consumer acceptance and preference in model applications issignificantly improved by utilizing the protein and oil ingredientsversus the traditional hemp protein and cold pressed oils. Pairedpreference sensory analysis was conducted on four model foodapplications (“meat” crumble, smoothie, muffin, frozen “gelato”novelty). The results are summarized.

“Meat” analogue crumble application showed consumers preferred the novelhemp heart protein concentrate crumble versus the typical hemp seedprotein concentrate. Significant preference was found using p=0.05 andn=18. Raw data show 94.4% of consumers prefer the novel hemp heartprotein concentrate formula 17 versus 1 for typical hemp seed proteinconcentrate formula.

Smoothie application showed consumers preferred the novel hemp proteinconcentrate smoothie versus the typical hemp seed protein concentratesmoothie. Significant preference was found using p=0.05 and n=16. Rawdata show 87.5% of consumers prefer the novel hemp heart proteinconcentrate formula 14 versus 2 for typical hemp seed proteinconcentrate formula.

Muffin application showed consumers preferred the novel hemp proteinconcentrate muffin versus the typical hemp seed protein concentratemuffin. p=0.05, n=17. Raw data show 82.3% of consumers prefer the novelhemp heart protein concentrate formula 14 versus 3 for typical hemp seedprotein concentrate formula.

Frozen “gelato” type dessert application showed consumers preferred thenovel hemp heart oil “gelato” versus the typical hemp seed oil “gelato”.However, significant preference was not found using p=0.05 and n=14. Rawdata show 71.4% consumers prefer the novel hemp heart oil formula 10versus 4 for typical hemp seed oil formula.

Example 17 Model Application Formulations

“Meat” crumble Product Name V70 ™ Crumbles Ingredients Weight (g)Component % V70 ™ Hemp Heart Particles 83  31.68% Water 176  67.18%Umami potentiator (MSG or other) 1  0.38% Salt 2  0.76% Total Batchweight 262 100.00%

Product Name P-50 Crumbles Ingredients Weight (g) Component % P-50 83 29.54% Water 195  69.40% Umami potentiator (MSG or other) 1  0.36% Salt2  0.71% Total Batch weight 281 100.00%

Smoothie V70 ™ Blueberry Smoothie (20 g Product Name plant protein perserving) Ingredients Weight (g) Component % Blue berries 180  35.185%Vanilla yogurt 36  7.037% V-70 ™ 28.58  5.587% Milk 100  19.547% Water165  32.253% Sugar 2  0.391% Total Batch weight 511.58 100.000%

P-50 Blueberry Smoothie 20 g Product Name plant protein per batchIngredients Weight (g) Component % Blueberries 180  34.417% Vanillayogurt 36  6.883% P-50 40  7.648% Milk 100  19.120% Water 165  31.549%Sugar 2  0.382% Total Batch weight 523 100.000%

Muffin Product Name V70 ™ Muffins Ingredients Weight (g) Component % AllPurpose Wheat Flour 132  16.93% V-70 ™ 128  16.41% Granulated Sugar 100 12.82% Baking Powder 12  1.54% Salt 2.8  0.36% Milk 183  23.47%Vegetable Oil 114  14.62% Egg 108  13.85% Total Batch weight 779.8100.00%

Product Name P-50 Muffins Ingredients Weight (g) Component % All PurposeWheat Flour 69  8.85% P-50 191  24.49% Granulated Sugar 100  12.82%Baking Powder 12  1.54% Salt 2.8  0.36% Milk 183  23.47% Vegetable Oil114  14.62% Egg 108  13.85% Total Batch weight 779.8 100.000%

Frozen “gelato” type dessert Non-Dairy Frozen Hemp Product Name Dessert(Gelato) VONE ™ Ingredients Weight (g) Component % Oat milk 649  76.013%V-ONE ™ 44  5.153% Granulated Sugar 120  14.055% Cocoa butter 22  2.577%V70 ™ Hemp Heart Protein 10  1.171% Gum blend 0.8  0.094% Vanilla 8 0.937% Total Batch weight 853.8 100.000%

Product Name Non-Dairy Frozen Hemp Dessert (Gelato) Ingredients Weight(g) Component % Oat milk 649  76.013% Cold Pressed Hemp Seed Oil 44 5.153% Granulated Sugar 120  14.055% Cocoa butter 22  2.577% V70 ™ HempHeart Protein 10  1.171% Gum blend 0.8  0.094% Vanilla 8  0.937% TotalBatch weight 853.8 100.000%

Example 18—Equipment Design Gravity Table Optical SortingConditioning/Cooking Expeller Pressing De-lumpingRecycling/Volumetric/Gravimetric Feeder SC-CO2 Filtration MillingPackaging

The various methods and techniques described above provide a number ofways to carry out the application. Of course, it is to be understoodthat not necessarily all objectives or advantages described are achievedin accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Thus, forexample, those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods can beperformed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or groupof advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving otherobjectives or advantages as taught or suggested herein. A variety ofalternatives are mentioned herein. It is to be understood that someembodiments specifically include one, another, or several features,while others specifically exclude one, another, or several features,while still others mitigate a particular feature by including one,another, or several other features.

Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the applicability ofvarious features from different embodiments. Similarly, the variouselements, features and steps discussed above, as well as other knownequivalents for each such element, feature or step, can be employed invarious combinations by one of ordinary skill in this art to performmethods in accordance with the principles described herein. Among thevarious elements, features, and steps some will be specifically includedand others specifically excluded in diverse embodiments.

Although the application has been disclosed in the context of certainembodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that the embodiments of the application extend beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses and modifications and equivalents thereof.

In some embodiments, any numbers expressing quantities of ingredients,properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth,used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the disclosure are tobe understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.”Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth inthe written description and any included claims are approximations thatcan vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained bya particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parametersshould be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scopeof some embodiments of the application are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are usually reported asprecisely as practicable.

In some embodiments, the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similarreferences used in the context of describing a particular embodiment ofthe application (especially in the context of certain claims) areconstrued to cover both the singular and the plural. The recitation ofranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthandmethod of referring individually to each separate value falling withinthe range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (for example, “such as”) provided with respect to certainembodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate theapplication and does not pose a limitation on the scope of theapplication otherwise claimed. No language in the specification shouldbe construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the application.

Variations on preferred embodiments will become apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. It iscontemplated that skilled artisans can employ such variations asappropriate, and the application can be practiced otherwise thanspecifically described herein. Accordingly, many embodiments of thisapplication include all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the application unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

All patents, patent applications, publications of patent applications,and other material, such as articles, books, specifications,publications, documents, things, and/or the like, referenced herein arehereby incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety for allpurposes, excepting any prosecution file history associated with same,any of same that is inconsistent with or in conflict with the presentdocument, or any of same that may have a limiting effect as to thebroadest scope of the claims now or later associated with the presentdocument. By way of example, should there be any inconsistency orconflict between the description, definition, and/or the use of a termassociated with any of the incorporated material and that associatedwith the present document, the description, definition, and/or the useof the term in the present document shall prevail.

In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of theapplication disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of theembodiments of the application. Other modifications that can be employedcan be within the scope of the application. Thus, by way of example, butnot of limitation, alternative configurations of the embodiments of theapplication can be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein.Accordingly, embodiments of the present application are not limited tothat precisely as shown and described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for processing hemp seeds to recover atleast one product, the system comprising: a sorter, adapted to separatethe hulls and the hemp hearts to produce an isolated hemp heart fractionis substantially free of hulls; a conditioner, adapted to condition theisolated hemp hearts to a pre-determined internal temperature andmoisture content, resulting in conditioned hemp hearts; a press, adaptedto permit extraction of oil from the hemp hearts, resulting in a hemphearts press cake; a delumper, adapted to reduce size of lumps from thehemp hearts press cake, resulting in a substantially uniform hemp heartsparticles; a super-critical fluid or a nonpolar solvent extractor,adapted to de-oil the hemp hearts powder to produce an extracted hempseed product; a mill, suitable to reduce particle size to less than 500micron. wherein, upon operation of the system, at least one producthaving at least one value parameter is recovered, wherein the product isat least one of an improved hemp seed oil product and an improved hempseed protein product.
 2. The system of claim 1, adapted for continuousprocessing, further comprising: a diverter adapted to divert the uniformhemp hearts particles into a first output stream and a second outputstream; optionally, a returner adapted to return the first output streamto the system between the conditioner and the press; a mixer adapted tomix the first output stream with the conditioned hemp hearts; and acollector adapted to collect the second output stream.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, adapted for continuous processing, wherein the press is acontinuous screw type expeller press or a twin-screw expeller press. 4.The system of claim 1, adapted for batch processing, additionallycomprising a press bag adapted to contain the isolated hemp hearts afterconditioning, wherein the press is adapted to apply sufficient pressureto the press bag containing isolated hemp hearts to permit extraction ofoil from the hemp hearts, resulting in a hemp hearts press cake.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the product is an improved hemp seed oilproduct, and wherein the at least one value parameter is determined bycomparison with a hemp seed oil product produced by cold-pressing ofwhole hemp seeds, and wherein the value parameter is selected from:decreased oil oxidation, increased shelf life, decreased rancidity,improved user acceptance, lighter color, improved flavor and aroma. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein the product is an improved hemp seedprotein product, and wherein the at least one value parameter isdetermined by comparison with a cold-press hemp seed press cake, andwherein the value parameter is selected from lighter color, improvedmouth feel, improved user acceptance, improved uniformity, improvedshelf life, decreased oxidation; decreased rancidity, improved waterholding, improved oil holding, improved dispersion in water, improvedfoaming capacity, improved gelation, and improved emulsifying capacity.7. The system of claim 1, wherein the sorter comprises at least one of asize, shape and spectrophotometric detection of materials to be sorted.8. The system of claim 2, further comprising a feedback component. 9.The system of claim 8, wherein the feedback component is adapted todetect a parameter of the substantially uniform hemp heart particlesbefore the particles reach the diverter, to determine a proportion ofthe particles to divert to the first output stream.
 10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the parameter is oil content of the press cake afterdelumping
 11. A continuous method of producing an oil product from hempseeds, the method comprising: a) dehulling the hemp seeds; b) sortinghemp hearts from hemp seed hulls; c) heating the isolated hemp hearts toat least 30° C. to produce conditioned hemp hearts; d) expeller-pressingthe conditioned hemp hearts to produce pressed isolated hemp hearts; e)de-lumping the pressed isolated hemp hearts; f) dividing the de-lumpedpressed isolated hemp hearts into a first output stream and a secondoutput stream; g) mixing the first output stream with the conditionedhemp hearts after said conditioned hemp hearts are conditioned andbefore they are pressed, to produce a mixed product comprising theconditioned hemp hearts and the first output stream; h) recovering theoil from the expeller pressing step wherein the steps f) and g) arerepeated until the second output stream is <15% residual oil.
 12. Amethod of producing a protein product from hemp seeds, the methodcomprising: a) dehulling the hemp seeds; b) sorting hemp hearts fromhemp seed hulls; c) heating the isolated hemp hearts to at least 30° C.;d) applying pressure to the heated hemp hearts for a period of time topermit extraction of oil from the hemp hearts; e) recovering anddelumping the solids; and extracting residual oil from the solids toproduce a protein product comprising less than 15% oil by weight. 13.The method of claim 11, additionally comprising the step of bagging thehemp hearts after the heating step in a bag adapted to withstand highpressures and permit oil escape from the bag while containing solidswithin the bag; wherein the applying pressure step comprises applyinghydraulic pressure to the hemp hearts.
 14. The method of claim 12,additionally comprising the steps of: f) dividing the solids into afirst stream and a second stream and re-cycling the first stream throughsteps d)-f) and collecting the second stream; g) removing residual oilfrom the second solid fraction to produce a protein product comprisingless than 15% oil by weight.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein theapplying pressure step comprises applying expeller pressure.
 16. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the oil from the applying pressure step isrecovered so that the method simultaneously produces a protein productand an oil product from hemp seeds.
 17. The method claim 11 wherein thesorting step comprises size, shape and/or spectrophotometric detection.18. The method of claim 11 wherein the hemp hearts are substantiallyfree of non-heart material.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein thenon-heart material includes shells, seed coat, fiber, foreign material,and/or the like.
 20. An apparatus comprising: an input of hemp seeds; adehuller, adapted to dehull the hemp seeds, resulting in hulls and hemphearts; a sorter, adapted to separate the hulls and the hemp hearts toproduce an isolated hemp heart fraction that is substantially free ofhulls and seed coat; a conditioner, adapted to condition the isolatedhemp hearts to a pre-determined internal temperature and moisturecontent; a press, adapted to permit extraction of oil from the hemphearts, resulting in a hemp hearts press cake; a delumper, adapted toreduce size of lumps from the hemp hearts press cake, resulting in asubstantially uniform hemp hearts particles; a diverter adapted todivert the uniform hemp hearts particles into a first output stream anda second output stream; a returner adapted to return the first outputstream to the system between the conditioner and the press; a mixeradapted to mix the first output stream with the conditioned hemp hearts;a collector adapted to collect the second output stream; asuper-critical fluid or a nonpolar solvent extractor, adapted to de-oilthe second output stream to produce an extracted hemp seed product; amill, suitable to reduce particle size to less than 500 microns; and afeedback component.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the feedbackcomponent comprises a proximate composition or oil measuring device.